The trade component of the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement provides, inter alia, for the possibility of imports (and exports) of eggs and egg products. Ukraine has undertaken to comply with European animal welfare standards for chickens within five years. Since the Agreement entered into force, imports of eggs from Ukraine have increased exponentially, from 163 tonnes (2014) to 3 665 tonnes (2015) and 8 043 tonnes in 2016. Due to (suspected) problems with Fipronil, the figure fell in 2017. In 2018 (figures to October), imports totalled 12 218 tonnes, so that more than half of all imported eggs in Europe came from Ukraine.

— Why do ‘out of quota’ imports also come from Ukraine? In view of the above figures, ought not these imports to be restricted?

— Why is it that, according to the Commission’s figures, Poland does not import a single egg from Ukraine?

— What progress has Ukraine made on compliance with its animal welfare commitments, and will it meet the agreed deadline?